JuicyTalk
Senior Music Editor at Screen Rant, Sarah’s love of sound and story drive the beat. A globetrotting brand whisperer and award-winning journalist, she’s built cross-cultural narratives around the world—but music has always been her true north. She launched DJ Mag North America, successfully introducing the iconic UK brand to the U.S. market. Previously, she carved a space for EDM inside the pages of VIBE, blending electronic and hip-hop culture long before it was trendy.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its 17 nominees for 2026, and the list is a chaotic, glorious mix of Rock icons, Hip-Hop legends, and Pop royalty. But among the 10 first-time nominees, one name stands out as the literal “heavy hitter”: Phil Collins. Despite being eligible since 2007, the “Sussudio” singer has never actually appeared on a solo ballot until now—a snub so glaring that even Rock Hall Chair John Sykes recently admitted there was “no excuse” for it.
Collins is already in the Hall as a member of Genesis, but his solo candidacy is a different beast entirely. In an era where the Hall is leaning into “legacy-defining” moments and cross-genre influence, Phil Collins represents the perfect storm of commercial invincibility and newfound critical respect. From his revolutionary drum sounds to his status in an elite club of superstars, here is why Phil Collins is the undeniable frontrunner for the Class of 2026.
- The “Clyde McPhatter” Club Factor: If inducted, Collins will join the prestigious “Clyde McPhatter Club”—the rare group of artists inducted twice for both a band and a solo career. This is a sign of institutional approval. Voters who already backed him for Genesis in 2010 are statistically more likely to check his name again, especially as the Hall seeks “safe” legacy picks to balance out newer, more controversial nominees.
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The 100 Million Sales Milestone: Numbers don’t lie, and Collins’ numbers are staggering. He is one of only three artists—alongside
Paul McCartney
and
Michael Jackson
—to sell over 100 million albums both as a solo artist and as part of a group. With a solo career that includes multi-platinum certification across his first four albums, his commercial impact is a “big tent” that the Hall cannot ignore if they want the 2026 ceremony to pull massive ratings. - The “Gated Reverb” Production Legacy: Music history has everything to do with sounds. Collins’ pioneering of the “gated reverb” drum sound on In the Air Tonight didn’t just define his solo debut; it defined the entire sonic landscape of the 1980s. By nominating him, the Hall is acknowledging a technical innovator—a “musician’s musician” who influenced everyone from indie rockers to modern pop producers.
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Surprise Support From R&B & Hip-Hop: One of the strongest arguments for Collins is his “cool factor” in unexpected places. He is famously beloved by the hip-hop community, with artists like Questlove (who sits on the Rock Hall nominating committee) being vocal supporters. In a year when
Wu-Tang Clan
and
Lauryn Hill
are also on the ballot, Collins serves as a unique bridge between the classic rock old guard and the rhythmic future the Hall is currently embracing. - The “Now Or Never” Narrative: Following the recent conclusion of the final Genesis tour and ongoing concerns regarding his ability to perform, there is a palpable “give him his flowers now” sentiment among voters. The Hall has a history of prioritizing legends who have reached a final legacy stage, and Collins is the sentimental favorite of the 2026 cycle.
For a trip down memory lane, check out last year’s nominees and see how they stack up. Will the repeats finally earn their place in Rock Hall history?
The Verdict: A First-Ballot Lock
Artist | First-Time Nominee | Previously Inducted? |
|---|---|---|
The Black Crowes | No | No |
Jeff Buckley | Yes | No |
Mariah Carey | No | No |
Phil Collins | Yes (solo) | Yes — Genesis (2010) |
Melissa Etheridge | Yes | No |
Lauryn Hill | Yes | No |
Billy Idol | No | No |
INXS | Yes | No |
Iron Maiden | No | No |
Joy Division/New Order | No | No |
New Edition | Yes | No |
Oasis | No | No |
P!NK | Yes | No |
Sade | No | No |
Shakira | Yes | No |
Luther Vandross | Yes | No |
Wu-Tang Clan | Yes | No |
While the competition from Mariah Carey and Oasis is fierce, Phil Collins is the most complete candidate on the 2026 ballot. He brings the hits, the technical innovation, and the multi-generational appeal that the Rock Hall thrives on. Expect him to not only get in but to be the primary focus of the induction ceremony’s marketing when the finalists are revealed in April.
